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Two court-appointed doctors have concluded that Bela Joseph Demeter, the 87-year-old Menlo Park antique dealer, is mentally competent to stand trial on charges that include six felony counts of child molestation, according to a report from the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
The allegations against Mr. Demeter, who owns Demeter Antiques Ltd. at 721 Oak Grove Ave., include cornering a 14-year-old girl in his store and kissing her and touching her breasts against her wishes, the report said.
His charges also include groping and kissing a youthful female officer from the Menlo Park Police Department, who entered his store undercover a week after the initial complaint, the report said.
Both the prosecution and the defense, on Aug. 4, waived their rights to a jury trial pending the outcome of the medical evaluation, said Steve Wagstaffe, the chief deputy district attorney, in the report.
With competency established, Judge John Runde of San Mateo County Superior Court reinstated criminal charges against Mr. Demeter. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.
Mr. Demeter remains free on $250,000 bail. His attorney, George Eshoo, could not be reached for comment.
